Medical device for overcoming airway obstruction

ABSTRACT

A medical device for overcoming upper airway obstruction when a patient is placed in a supine position, featuring a flat rectangular support base that attaches to the support frame perpendicularly, and a variation of lower jaw supports that attach to the support frame after encircling the patient&#39;s lower jaw.

CROSS REFERENCES

The present application is a divisional of my application Ser. No.11/140,406 filed May 28, 2005 entitled “Medical Device for OvercomingAirway Obstruction,” currently pending which is a continuation in partof my application Ser. No. 11/125,381 filed May 8, 2005 now U.S. Pat.No. 7,047,977, entitled “Medical Device for Overcoming AirwayObstruction,” which is a continuation in part of my application Ser. No.10/901,720 filed Jul. 29, 2004, entitled “Medical Device for OvercomingAirway Obstruction,” which issued on Aug. 29, 2005 and has been assignedU.S. Pat. No. 6,926,007 B2; which is a continuation in part of myapplication Ser. No. 10/610,399 filed Jun. 30, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No.7,047,976. All of these applications are incorporated herein by thisreference which are not admitted to be prior art with respect to thepresent invention by their mention in the background.

BACKGROUND

Obstruction of the upper airway by the tongue is a common complicationwhen a sedated or unconscious patient is lying in the supine position.The causes of unconsciousness may be sedation, anesthesia, head trauma,drug overdose or any of a multitude of medical causes. The patient maybe in any emergency situation. The direct cause is that gravity pullsthe person's tongue downwards (towards the cervical spine) and thetongue obstructs the airway and impedes respiration, partially orcompletely. The airway obstruction discussed above might cause alife-threatening situation if the airway obstruction is not urgentlycleared, for hypoxemia and death can quickly ensue.

Anesthesiologists commonly overcome airway obstruction by tilting thepatient's head backwards and pulling the chin up towards the ceiling andaway from the body (cephalad). Obstruction of the airway is overcomebecause the base of the tongue is attached to the mandible, and bypulling the chin upward the tongue will be simultaneously pulled upward.This practice is very fatiguing and restricts the anesthesiologist's oremergency responder's ability to perform other functions that requiretwo free hands.

An upper airway can also be maintained open by inserting various medicaltubes into the airway, for example, nasal-pharyngeal, oral-pharyngeal,laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and the cuffed oral pharyngeal. But as oftoday, there are no medical devices in common use that attach externallyto the face that will maintain an open upper airway.

In the past, medical personnel have attempted to use surgical tape toattempt to maintain an open upper airway. Anesthesiologist would securetape around the chin of a patient and then attach the ends of the tapeto an operating room table. Tape procedures are unsatisfactory, for thetape attachment pulls back and downwards and do not provide the upwardpull required on the chin to maintain an open upper airway. Tape quicklystretches and traction is lost. Tape is not sufficiently adherent tocope with the traction forces and detaches. Other complications withthis procedure are skin trauma and eye damage. The tape passes close tothe patient's eyes and contact with the eye is unavoidable if thepatient coughs or turns the head. The method of attaching tape to theoperating room table cannot be used to manage an obstructed airwayoutside of the operating room, example, at a roadside motor vehicleaccident or during subsequent transportation to hospital.

Chin props comprising a ball on the end of an arm secured to theoperating room table have also been used to push the chin up. They toohave proven to be unsatisfactory and are not commonly used, because theyare large and cumbersome and get in the way of surgeons operating on theupper body. Furthermore, if misapplied they may constrict the airway.Chin props with complex mechanisms that attach to suitable operatingtables, cannot be used to manage an obstructed airway outside of theoperating room, for example, at a roadside motor vehicle accident orduring subsequent transportation to hospital.

Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be foundin U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,494,048, 6,200,285 B1, and 6,196,224 B1. However,each one of these references suffers from one or more of the followingdisadvantages:

-   1. Can cause eye damage and skin trauma;-   2. Require attachment to suitable operating tables;-   3. Obstruct the attendant's view of the patient;-   4. Do not provide sufficient upward leverage to the chin;-   5. Do not lend themselves to use in accident situations;-   6. Do not effectively overcome airway obstruction; and-   7. Difficulties in removal of devices, should immediate endotracheal    intubation be required.

Inside and outside the operating room, an urgent need exists forequipment that overcomes upper airway obstruction and maintains an openupper airway. This equipment should be compatible with and improve theeffectiveness of oral-pharyngeal and nasal-pharyngeal airways and facemasks. In the operating room, such equipment would allow mask anesthesiato be used for sedated and anesthetized patients instead of generalanesthesia and endotracheal intubation with immediate cost savings.Outside the operating room, a need exists for portable, compactequipment that can overcome upper airway obstruction and maintain anopen airway and that can be used in cramped quarters such as anambulance, a hyperbaric chamber and an MRI chamber.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a medical device is safeand reliable that will overcome upper airway obstruction and that willmaintain an open airway in the anesthetized and sedated patient lying ina supine position in an operating room and any unconscious patient lyingin the supine position at any site. To be effective, the equipmentshould be safe and easy to use and reliable. The equipment should freeup the operators' hands; render oral and nasal pharyngeal airways moreeffective and not interfere with but facilitate the use of a face mask.The equipment should be free standing, compact and portable.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a medical device that assists inovercoming airway obstruction and maintaining an open airway when apatient, who may or may not be anesthetized, is unconscious and placedin the supine position. This device satisfies the following needs:

-   1. It frees the practitioner's hands to do other tasks;-   2. Does not obstruct the view and allows the practitioner to    visually monitor the patient;-   3. It is a compact and portable device;-   4. It does not cause eye damage or skin trauma;-   5. Does not require the use of specific operating room tables when    operating the device; and-   6. Allows for the easy removal of the device should the patient    vomit or emergency endotracheal intubation be required.

The medical device for overcoming airway obstruction comprises of arectangular cradle that has first and second portions, wherein the firstportion has a length that is at least a distance that allows a patient'shead to rest on and act as an anchor to the cradle and the secondportion has a length that is at least a distance that allows a band tobe placed under a patient's chin and encircle the second portion so thatan upward pull can be generated on the chin by the band when the secondportion is placed in a perpendicular position to the first portion, andthe cradle's width is at least a distance that allows for the clearanceof a patient's side facial features when the patient's head rests on thefirst portion of the cradle and a band is made to encircle the chin of apatient and attach to the second portion of the cradle; and a band thatattaches to the second portion of the cradle when the second portion isperpendicular to the first portion.

One of the many advantages of this invention is the simplicity of itsconstruction. The fact that the two main elements of this invention area perpendicular portions and a band that can be easy attached to one ofthe portions of the plate after encircling the chin of a patient whosehead rests on the other portion of the cradle after being placed in asupine position, attest to the simplicity of construction and use ofthis device. This invention takes precautions in preventing injuriesthat have been previously caused by the prior art, for example, eyedamage or skin trauma. This invention also aids those in the emergencytransportation field, for they need to have the maximum use of theirhands when dealing with other aspects of emergency situations facingthem. In addition, not having to worry whether the patient is breathingproperly can allow emergency personnel to care for other injuriessustained by the patient and to attend to other patients.

A further advantage to this invention is that it is a stand-alonemedical device. The device does not need to be attached to anysupporting devices to become operable. When a patient's head is made torest on one of the surfaces of the perpendicular portion, the weight ofthe patient's head on the portion is sufficient to secure the cradle sothat an upward pull on the chin created between a band attached to thesides of the cradle not carrying the weight of the patient's head andthe patient's chin will be maintained during the use of this device.Remember, as long as this upward pull is maintained, the upper airwaywill be maintained open, thus it is key that the tension created withthis device not be compromised and this is easily solved by using theweight of the patient's head as the anchor to the device.

Yet another advantage to this invention is the placement of the band onthe second portion insures that the band does not come in contact withthe patient's eyes, this is very important for one cannot preventcoughing and other involuntary movements of the head.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the medical device in use with apatient in a supine position;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another version of the medical devicein use with a patient in a supine position;

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the medical device shown in FIG. 2, thisview shows the second portion having an aperture within the secondportion;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another version of the presentinvention, this embodiment has a means for pivoting the portions and alocking means for maintaining the portions in a perpendicular position;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective of how the mask would attach to the firststrap of the medical device and surround the nose and mouth of a patientin a supine position;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the medicaldevice in use with a patient in a supine position;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the t-band piece of the medical device;

FIG. 8 shows a rear view of the medical device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another version of the medical deviceof the present invention with a peg and hole configuration;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another version of the medicaldevice of the present invention with an attachable anesthesia hosesupport for accommodating an anesthetic hose;

FIG. 11 a shows a chin pad;

FIG. 11 b shows the chin pad of FIG. 11 a placed on a patient in asupine position;

FIG. 11 c shows the chin pad of FIG. 11 a and patient of FIG. 11 b inuse with an anesthetic mask and the T-band of the present invention;

FIG. 12 a shows a harness of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 12 b–c illustrate the harness of FIG. 12 a in respectivelyloosened and tightened positions;

FIG. 12 d shows the harness of FIGS. 12 a–c in use with a patient in asupine position;

FIG. 13 a shows the soft hook and loop attachment means of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 b shows the rigid hook and loop attachment means of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 a shows a hammock that is used with yet another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14 b shows the hammock of FIG. 14 a in use with a patient in asupine position;

FIG. 14 c shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 14 a wherein theattachment means are fixed;

FIG. 14 d shows the hammock of 14 c further comprising of a middle strapthat runs perpendicular from the hammock and the strap further defines amiddle slit;

FIG. 15 a–d illustrate yet another embodiment of the presently claimedinvention further including two lateral plates;

FIG. 16 a–b illustrate another embodiment of the present inventionshowing the support plate and the flat rectangular support basedetached;

FIG. 17 a–b shows a further embodiment of the presently claimedinvention, highlighting how a support frame is attached to a supportbase;

FIG. 18 shows a U-shaped sleeve that is mounted on the support frame ofthe present invention;

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the present invention having acompressible element;

FIGS. 20 and 20 a show a breakdown of the embodiment of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention usingtwo joints to connect the elements of the device, in this embodiment thejoint's sockets receive the elements;

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention alsousing two joints to connect the elements, yet in this embodiment thejoint's prongs are inserted within the cradle elements;

FIG. 23 shows a variation of the device of FIG. 21, in this variationthe joints are L-shaped and the same socket concept is utilized;

FIG. 24 illustrates yet another variation of the device, this variationshows a ribbed support frame and all of the cradle elements arerectangular in nature;

FIG. 25 shows another version of the hammock used with this device;

FIG. 26 shows how the device of FIGS. 24 and 25 is used;

FIGS. 27 a–b show a frontal view of a tubular skirt used with thedevices of FIGS. 21–24; and

FIG. 28 shows the tubular skirt used in the devices of FIGS. 21–24.

DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a medical device used to overcome upper airwayobstruction when a patient is in a supine position comprises a flatrectangular cradle 10 that has a first 12 and a second portion 14wherein the first portion 12 has a length that is at least a distancethat allows a patient's head to rest on and act as an anchor to thecradle and the second portion 14 is perpendicular to the first portion12 and has a length that is at least a distance that allows a band 16 tobe placed under a patient's chin and encircle the second portion 14 sothat an upward pull can be generated on the chin by the band 16, and thecradle's width is at least a distance that allows for the clearance of apatient's side facial features when the patient's head rests on thefirst portion 12 of the cradle and a band 16 is made to encircle thechin of a patient and attach to the second portion 14 of the cradle; anda band 16 that attaches to the second portion 14 of the cradle when thesecond portion 14 is perpendicular to the first portion 12.

The cradle can be made of wood, stainless steel, plastics or polymers.The length of first 12 and second 14 portions of the cradle must be atleast a 1 to 1 ratio. The length of the first portion 12 should be atleast of a length that will allow a patients head to rest on it and actas an anchor to the medical device. The length of the second portion 14should be of at least of a length that will create an upward pull on thechin of a patient when a band 16 is made to encircle the chin of thepatient, when a patient is placed in a supine position, and the secondportion 14 of the cradle 10. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,the length of the portions will be eight inches to twelve inches.Another embodiment of the invention has the first 12 and second 14portions of the cradles being both eight inches in length. The width ofthe portions is to be at least eight inches, the preferred embodimentwould have a width of twelve inches. The width has to be of sufficientlength to allow for the clearance of the eyes when attaching the band 16to the second portion 14 of the portion 10. As seen in FIG. 2 and FIG.3, the second portion 14 of the cradle can define an aperture 14 a thatwill merely make the second portion of the cradles a physical skeletonto attach the band 16 or straps yet to be defined.

The band can be made of an elastic material that has a degree of tensionsufficient to pull the weight of a person's chin upward (when thepatient is placed in a supine position) when encircling the secondportion of the cradle and the chin of the patient. As seen in FIG. 2,the band 16 can also be made of fabric and have two ends, if the band 16is made of fabric, then it is preferable that the ends of the bands 16 ahave either hook or pile fasteners. When using a fabric band 16, it isessential that the second portion 14 of the cradle have two receivingmeans 22 located on opposite sides of the second portion 14 and runningalong the length of the second portion 14 and situated a sufficientheight to allow for an upward pull to be generated on the chin of apatient when the band 16 is placed around the chin of the patient andthe ends of the band 16 a are attached to receiving means 22 of thesecond portion 14 of the cradle. The receiving means 22 will alsocomprise of either hook or pile fasteners, depending on what typefasteners the ends of the band 16 a utilize.

As seen in FIG. 2, the medical device can further comprise of having amiddle attachment means 18 attached second portion 14 of the cradle(middle attachment means 18 can simply be glued on to the second portion14), the middle attachment means 18 will attach to the second portion 14at the outer extremity of the second portion 14 a and be centered andrun parallel along the width of the cradle 10. The attachment means 18can be made of a fabric and contain hook or pile fasteners. The middleattachment means 18 is attached to a first strap 20, the first strap 20has either hook or pile fasteners at its ends 20 a (whether hook or pilefastener will depend on what type of attachment means the ends areconnecting too). The first strap 20 will connect to the section (middlejuncture) of the band 16 b surrounding the chin of the patient usingmeans known in the art (either hook or pile fasteners, this all dependson what type of fasteners the band has at the middle juncture of theband 16 b to accommodate the connection). The first strap might define afirst strap slit 20 b running parallel along the length of the firststrap. The first strap serves a duel purpose, the first purpose is tofurther apply upward pressure to the chin and the second purpose is toallow for the placement of a mask 26 within the slit that would coverthe mouth and nose of the patient. The mask 26 would be used to provideeither oxygen and/or an anesthetic to the patient.

The medical device can further comprise a second strap 24, the secondstrap 24 having attachment means located at the ends of the strap 24 a(the attachment means would be either hook or pile fasteners). Thesecond strap would encircle the rear of the patient's neck and wouldattach to the middle juncture of the band 16 b fasteners. The onlypurpose for the second strap 24 is to secure the band 16 to thepatient's chin, the invention does not require the second strap 24, itis used only as a safety precaution.

As seen in FIG. 4, another embodiment of the invention would comprise ofa pivoting means 34 for folding the medical device. The pivoting means34 would facilitate the transport of the device and would most likely beused in the field by emergency personnel, such as paramedics. Thepivoting means 34 would connect the first 12 and second 14 portions ofthe cradles and have a closed locking position and an openingperpendicular locking position 36. The locking means would beincorporated into the pivot by means known in the art. As a safetyprecaution, the pivoting means, when placed in the perpendicularposition would be placed so that they would not be able to rotatefurther than the perpendicular. This could simply be accomplished byinserting a screw along side the pivot(s) in either of the portions(allowing the head of the screw to be raised at least a few centimetersabove the pivot) so that the portion not containing the screw could notbe pivoted beyond the perpendicular. All of the previous elementsdiscussed could be incorporated into this embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the medical device 400 usedto overcome upper airway obstruction when a patient is in a supineposition comprises a rectangular support base 412 that is attached to asupport frame 414 by the pivoting means described above; and a T-band600, as illustrated in FIG. 7, that attaches to the support frame 414when the T-band 600 is placed around the chin of a patient when themedical device 400 is used.

The support frame 414 having a middle rod 402 c that is located in themiddle of the superior edge of the support frame 414 and six superiorrods 402 b located on the superior edge of the support frame 414, thesuperior rods 402 b are positioned so that they are equally spaced fromthe middle rod 402 c and run toward the outer edges of the support frame414 in increments of one inch starting from the middle rod 402 coutward, more specifically, three superior rods 402 b are placed on eachside of the middle rod 402 c. The middle rod 402 c measuring at least ⅛of an inch in diameter and ¼ of an inch in height. Each superior rod 402b measuring at least ⅛ of an inch in diameter and ¾ of an inch inheight. The support frame 414 further having 10 lateral rods 402 apositioned on the lateral edges of the support frame 414, wherein thefirst of the lateral rods 402 a is placed two inches from the superioredge of the support frame 414 and the remaining lateral rods 402 a arepositioned a distance of one inch from each other, more specifically,five lateral rods 402 a are placed on each of the vertical sides of thesupport frame 414. Each lateral rod 402 a measuring at least ⅛ of aninch in diameter and ¼ of an inch in height. In this embodiment of theinvention, the superior edge of the support frame 414 shall have alength of 8 inches and the lateral edges of the support frame 414 havinga length of twelve inches.

As shown in FIG. 7, the T-band 600 is a three sided strap, wherein twosides 602 of the strap are perpendicular to a middle side 604 of thestrap and each side strap 602 measures at least 12½ inches from whereeach side strap junctions with the middle strap 604. The middle strapshall measure at least 13½ inches from where the middle strap 604junctions to the side straps 602. Each of the straps of the T-band 600is at least 1¼ inches in width. The T-band 600 further defines a middleslit 608 that is defined within the middle strap 604 and runs from thejunction of the straps toward the end of the middle strap 604, themiddle slit 608 being at least 5½ inches in length. All of the strapsshall define at least six fenestrations 612 starting one inch from theend of each strap and each fenestration 612 being ½ an inch apart fromeach other, each fenestration shall be at least 3/16 of an inch indiameter. The T-band 600 might further comprise an adhesive layer 606that is placed at the junction of the T-band 600 so that the band bondswith the chin of patient when using the medical device 400.

A method of overcoming upper airway obstruction when a patient is in asupine position comprises the steps of placing the above mentionedmedical device 10 on a flat surface, resting the back of a patient'shead on the first portion 12 of the cradle, and encircling the chin ofthe patient with the band 16 and attaching the rest of the band to thesecond portion 14 of the cradle, the band's attachment to the secondportion 14 would be in a position sufficiently high so that an upperpull can be generated on the chin of the patient.

The above method describes the most rudimentary use of the medicaldevice described in this application. The medical device's main purposeis to prevent the blockage of the upper airway. As stated before, thisis accomplished by pulling the chin up and away from the body. The band16 pulls the chin upward and the second portion 14 of the cradle is usedto ensure that the pressure applied to the chin is maintained whilefreeing the hands of the practitioner. The medical device can also beused as means to secure a mask 26 to the face of a patient.

In another embodiment of this invention, as seen in FIGS. 9–11 c, themedical device 100 used to overcome upper airway obstruction when apatient is placed in a supine position comprises a flat rectangularsupport base 102, a support frame 104 having superior 104 a and lateral104 b sides attached perpendicularly to the flat rectangular supportbase 102, wherein the superior 104 a and lateral sides 104 b of thesupport frame 104 define a plurality of holes 105, a plurality of pegs103 inserted into the holes 105 of the support frame 104, a T-band 110attached to the pegs 103 inserted to the support frame 104 when theT-band 110 is placed around the chin of a patient, wherein the T-band110 has a hook and loop material 110 a (not seen in FIG. 11 c) fixedlyplaced on the cross section of the T-band 110 that is placed around thechin of the patient, and a chin pad 108 having two sides, wherein oneside is made of adhesive material and the other side having a loop andhook material, the chin pad's 108 side with the hook and loop materialattaches to the cross section of the T-band 110 a having the hook andloop material prior to placing the T-band 110 around the chin of thepatient.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9–11 c can further comprise of an anesthesiahose support 106 having a peg side 106 b and a support side 106 a,wherein the anesthesia support peg side 106 b is inserted into one ofthe holes 105 of the superior side 104 a of the support frame 104.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9–11 c can further comprise of two lateralplates as seen in FIGS. 15 a–15 d, each lateral plate 120 having twosides, a flat side 120 b and a U-shaped side 120 a, that slide along thelateral sides 104 b of the support frame 104 and run flush with thelateral sides of the support base 102, until the U-shaped side 120 a ofthe lateral plates is flush with the lateral sides 104 b of the supportframe 104. The plates may be made of stainless steel or any othermaterial known in the medical field.

A method of using the invention in FIGS. 9–11 c, which comprises thesteps of first placing a patient's head on the rectangular support base102, then placing a chin pad 108 around the chin of the patient so thatthe hook and loop material of the chin pad does not face the chin of thepatient, then placing the cross section 110 a of the T-band 110 aroundthe chin pad 108, and lastly, attaching the ends of the T-band 110 tothe support frame 104 so that an upper pull is created on the lower jawof the patient.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is seen in FIGS. 12 a–d, themedical device 100 used to overcome upper airway obstruction when apatient is placed in a supine position comprises a flat rectangularsupport base 102, a support frame 104, having superior 104 a and lateral104 b sides, attached perpendicularly to the flat rectangular supportbase 102, wherein the superior 104 a and lateral sides 104 b of thesupport frame 104 define a plurality of holes 105, a harness 200, havinga headband section 202, the headband section 202 having a front 202 aand a rear 202 b section, and two belt sections 204, each belt section204 having a fixed end 204 a and an adjustable end 204 b, wherein theheadband section 202 defines two apertures 202 c in the rear of theheadband 202 b section and further comprises of two tension strips 206,each tension strip 206 having a fixed end 206 a and an adjustable end206 b, wherein the fixed ends 206 a of the tension strips 206 areattached on the headband section 202 at locations that are flush withthe outer sides of the apertures 202 c and the tension strips 206 runtoward the front 202 a of the headband section 202, and wherein eachbelt section 204 is fixedly attached to the front section 202 a of theheadband section 202 and the belt sections 204 are further fixedlyattached to each other to form an x-junction 204 c between the beltsections 204 and wherein the adjustable ends of the belt sections 204 bare threaded through the apertures 202 c of the headband section 202,the adjustable ends of the belt sections 204 b of the harness 200 attachto the lateral sides 104 b of the support frame 104. In the aboveembodiment, the adjustable ends of the belt sections 204 b of theharness 200 comprise of hook and loop materials. The adjustable ends 206b of the tension strips 206 attach to receiving headband sections 202 dusing hook and loop materials. Other methods of attaching the adjustableends of the belt section 204 b of the harness 200 to the support frame104 b and the tension strips 206 to the headband 202 are well known inthe art.

The embodiment of FIGS. 12 a–d can further comprise of two lateralplates as seen in FIG. 15 a–15 d, each lateral plate 120 having twosides, a flat side 120 b and a U-shaped side 120 a, that slide along thelateral sides 104 b of the support frame 104 and run flush with thelateral sides of the support base 102, until the U-shaped side 120 a ofthe lateral plates is flush with the lateral sides 104 b of the supportframe 104. The plates may be made of stainless steel or any othermaterial known in the medical field.

The above embodiment of the invention can further comprise of ananesthesia hose support 106 having a peg side 106 b and support side 106a, wherein the anesthesia support peg side 106 b is inserted into one ofthe holes 105 of the superior side of the support frame 104 a.

A method of using the invention in FIGS. 12 a–d, which comprises thesteps of first placing a harness 200 around the head of a patient sothat the adjustable ends 204 b of the belts of the harness 200 flow fromthe back of the neck of the patient, next, resting the back of thepatients head on the support base 102, then, pulling the adjustable ends204 b of the belts and then crossing them under the lower jaw of thepatient so that an upward pull is created on the lower jaw of thepatient, and lastly securing the adjustable ends 204 b of the belts ofthe harness 200 to the lateral sides of the support frame 104 b.

A further embodiment of the current invention is seen in FIGS. 13 a–14b, the medical device 300 used to overcome upper airway obstruction whena patient is placed in a supine position comprises a flat rectangularsupport base 102, a support frame 104 having superior 104 a and lateral104 b sides attached perpendicularly to the flat rectangular supportbase 102, wherein the superior 104 a and lateral sides 104 b of thesupport frame 104 define a plurality of holes 105, a hammock 302, thehammock 302 comprising of a chin support 304, two cables 306, and fourcable attachment means 308, wherein the chin support 304 defines twotubular channels 304 a on the chin support's lateral sides, and whereineach cable 306 is strung through each tubular channel 304 a so that eachcable's end flow from each side of the tubular channel 304 a, andwherein each attachment means 308 attaches to each end of the cables306, and each of the cable's attachments means 308 of the hammock 302attach to the lateral sides 104 b of the support frame 104 so that eachcable 306 solely touches one side of the lateral support frame 104 b.

The hammock of FIGS. 14 a–b can comprise of another embodiment, as seenin FIGS. 14 c–d, wherein a hammock 600, comprises of a rectangular chinsupport 602, having a midpoint 602 c and two ends 602 d, four cables608, and four cable attachment means 610, wherein the chin support 602defines four apertures 602 a located on each of the corners of thehammock, and wherein each cable 608 is secured to the hammock 602 ateach aperture 602 a location by means known in the art, and wherein eachcable attachment means 610 attaches to each end of the cables 608, andeach of the cable's attachments means 610 of the hammock 602 attach tothe lateral sides 104 b of the support frame 104. This embodiment canfurther comprise of the harness having a middle strap 604 runningperpendicularly from a midpoint of the harness 602, the middle strap 604having a middle slit 604 a, and the middle strap 604 further defining astrap aperture 604 b on the end not connected to the harness 602, astrap cable 614 is secured to the strap aperture 604 b by means known inthe art, a strap cable attachment means 612 attached to the strap cable614, and the strap cable attachment means attaches to the superior sideof the support frame 104 a.

As seen in FIG. 13 a, this embodiment can further comprise of fourflexible receiving attachment means 309, each receiving attachment means309 having a securing end 309 b and a receiving end 309 a, both endsmade of hook and loop material, wherein the four flexible receivingattachment means 309 are secured around the lateral sides of the supportframe 104 b so that each lateral support frame 104 b is attached to twoof the flexible receiving attachment means 309, and wherein eachreceiving end 309 a of the receiving attachment means 309 attaches toeach of the cable's attachment means 308.

As seen in FIG. 13 b, this embodiment can further comprise of four rigidreceiving attachment means 310, each receiving attachment means 310having a U-joint end 310 a and a receiving end 310 b, the receiving end310 b comprising of a hook and loop material, wherein the four rigidreceiving attachment means 310 are placed on the lateral sides of thesupport frame 104 b so that each lateral support frame 104 b is attachedto two of the rigid receiving attachment means 310, and wherein eachreceiving end 310 b of the receiving attachment means 310 attaches toeach of the cable's attachment means 308.

In a preferred embodiment of the above invention, the receiving ends 310b of the receiving attachments means 310 and each of the cable'sattachment means 308 are made of a hook and loop material.

The embodiment of FIGS. 13 a–14 b can further comprise of two lateralplates as seen in FIGS. 15 a–15 d, each lateral plate 120 having twosides, a flat side 120 b and a U-shaped side 120 a, that slide along thelateral sides 104 b of the support frame 104 and run flush with thelateral sides of the support base 102, until the U-shaped side 120 a ofthe lateral plates is flush with the lateral sides 104 b of the supportframe 104. The plates may be made of stainless steel or any othermaterial known in the medical field.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 13 a–14 b can furthercomprise of an anesthesia hose support 106 having a peg side 106 b andsupport side 106 a, wherein the anesthesia support peg side 106 b isinserted into one of the holes 105 of the superior side of the supportframe 104 a.

A method of using the invention in FIGS. 13 a–14 b, which comprises thesteps of first placing a patient's head on the rectangular support base102, next placing the chin support 304 of the hammock 302 around thelower jaw of a patient so that tubular channels 304 a of the chinsupport 304 are approximately parallel to the sides of the face of thepatient, and lastly, adjusting the cable's attachment means 308 so thatwhen the cable's attachment means 308 are attached to the support frame104 b of the medical device 300, an upward pull is created on the lowerjaw of the patient.

The inventions of FIGS. 9–15 d, as seen in FIG. 16 a–16 b, might furthercomprise the flat rectangular support base 102 having an insertion side102 a on the flat rectangular support base 102, and the support frame104 further defining a reception site 104 c on each of the lateral sidesof the support frame 104, wherein the insertion side of the flatrectangular support base 102 a is inserted within the reception site 104c of the support frame 104.

In another embodiment of the present inventions, as seen in FIGS. 17a–b, the flat rectangular support base 102 has two vertical receptionextensions 102 b, wherein each vertical reception extension 102 b islocated on each corner of the one side of the flat rectangular supportbase 102, and the support frame lateral side's free ends 104 d areinserted within the vertical reception extensions 102 b.

In yet a further embodiment of the present inventions, as seen in FIG.18, a U-shaped sleeve 130, having an inner 130 a and an outer side 130b, is mounted on the support frame 104, wherein the outer side 130 b ofthe sleeve is made of hook and loop material and the inner side 130 a ofthe sleeve 130 is made of a rigid material.

As seen in FIGS. 19–20 a, in yet another embodiment of the medicaldevice used to overcome upper airway obstruction when a patient isplaced in a supine position comprises of two compressible supportstructures 702, wherein each support structure has a first 702 a and asecond 702 b end, and wherein each of the support structure's first end702 a defines a first oval aperture 702 c, an oval stabilizer 704,wherein each of the stabilizer's ends define second oval apertures 704 aadjacent to the stabilizer's 704 ends, two oval rods 706, each rod 706is inserted through each of the oval stabilizer's second aperture 704 aand through each of the compressible support structure's first ovalaperture 702 c so that the support structures 702 and the stabilizer 704are flush after insertion of the oval rods 706, a rectangular piece offabric 708 having four looped guides 710 located at each corner of therectangular piece of fabric 708, each rod 706 is inserted through two ofthe looped guides 710 of the rectangular piece of fabric 708, and ahammock 750 as seen in FIG. 25, wherein the hammock comprises of arectangular body 752 and each comer of the body 752 a has a strap 754that extends outward, and each strap 754 has an attachment means 758 sothat when the hammock 750 is placed under the lower jaw of a patient,two straps 754 will attach to each compressible support structure 702.In a further embodiment of this invention the straps 754 define aplurality of fenestrations 756, and the device further comprises of fourhooks 758, wherein each of the four hooks 758 is inserted through two ofthe fenestrations 756 of each strap 754 after each strap 754 encircleseach compressible support structures 702.

As seen in FIGS. 21 and 23, in a further embodiment of the medicaldevice used to overcome upper airway obstruction when a patient isplaced in a supine position comprises of two compressible tubularstructures 802/902, each tubular structure 802/902 having a first 802b/902 b and a second 802 a/902 a end, and wherein the first end802/b/902 b of each compressible tubular structure 802/902 defines anaperture 802 c/902 c, two joints 804/904, each joint 804/904 having afirst 804 a/904 a, a second 804 b/904 b, and a third 804 c/904 c socket,and wherein each socket of the joint 804/904 is perpendicular to eachother, and wherein the second end 802 a/902 a of each compressibletubular structure is attached to the first socket 804 a/904 a of eachjoint, two rods 806/906, each rod 806/906 having a first 806 a/906 a anda second 806 b/906 b end, and wherein the second end 806 b/906 b of eachrod 806/906 defines a rod aperture 806 c/906 c, and wherein the firstend 806 a/906 a of each rod 806/906 is attached to the second socket 804b/904 b of each joint, a connector 810/910, the connector 810/910 hastwo ends, each end of the connector is attached to each third 804 c/904c socket of each joint, a u-shaped strut 808/908 having two ends,wherein each of the U-shaped strut's ends is attached to each of therod's apertures 806 c/906 c, a tubular skirt 720 as seen in FIGS. 27a–28, both rods 806/906 being inserted through the tubular skirt 720,and a hammock 750 as seen in FIG. 25, wherein the hammock comprises of arectangular body 752 and each corner of the body 752 a has a strap 754that extends outward, and each strap 754 has an attachment means 758 sothat when the hammock 750 is placed under the lower jaw of a patient,and each strap 754 has an attachment means 758 so that when the hammock750 is placed under the lower jaw of a patient, two straps 754 willattach to each compressible tubular structure 802/902. In a variation ofthe present invention, each strap 754 of the hammock 750 has a pluralityof fenestrations 756, the device further comprises of four hooks 758,wherein each of the four hooks 758 is inserted through two of thefenestrations 756 of each strap 754 after each strap encircles eachcompressible tubular structures 802/902. The medical device of thepresent invention might further comprise of a stabilizing bar 812/912having two ends, each end of the stabilizing bar 812/912 is attached toeach of the apertures 802 c/902 c of the compressible tubularstructures.

The medical devices of FIGS. 21 and 23 are used in combination with thehammock 750 and tubular skirt 720 shown in FIG. 26.

As seen in FIG. 22, in another embodiment of the medical device used toovercome upper airway obstruction when a patient is placed in a supineposition comprises of two compressible tubular structures 822, eachtubular structure 822 having a first 822 b and a second 822 a end, andwherein the first end 822 b of each compressible tubular structure 822defines an aperture 822 c, two joints 824, each joint 824 having a first824 a, a second 824 b, and a third prong 824 c, and wherein each prongof the joint 824 is perpendicular to each other, and wherein the secondend 822 a of each compressible tubular structure receives the firstprong 824 a of each joint, two rods 826, each rod 826 having a first 826a and a second end 826 b, and wherein the second end 826 b of each rod826 defines a rod aperture 826 c, and wherein the first end 826 a ofeach rod 826 receives the second prong 824 b of each joint, a connector830, the connector 830 has two ends, each end of the connector 830receives the third prong 824 c of each joint, a U-shaped strut 828having two ends, wherein each of the U-shaped strut's ends 828 isattached to each of the rod's apertures 826 c, a tubular skirt 720 asseen in FIG. 28, wherein both rods 826 are inserted through the tubularskirt 720, and a hammock 750 as seen in FIG. 25, wherein the hammockcomprises of a rectangular body 752 and each corner of the body 752 ahas a strap 754 that extends outward, and each strap 754 has anattachment means 758 so that when the hammock 750 is placed under thelower jaw of a patient, and each strap 754 has an attachment means 758so that when the hammock 750 is placed under the lower jaw of a patient,two straps 754 will attach to each compressible tubular structure 822.In a variation of the present invention, each strap 754 of the hammock750 has a plurality of fenestrations 756, the device further comprisesof four hooks 758, wherein each of the four hooks 758 is insertedthrough two of the fenestrations 756 of each strap 754 after each strapencircles each compressible tubular structures 822. The medical deviceof the present invention might further comprise of a stabilizing bar 832having two ends, each end of the stabilizing bar 832 is attached to eachof the apertures 822 c of the compressible tubular structures.

The medical devices of FIG. 22 is used in combination with the hammock750 and tubular skirt 720 shown in FIG. 26.

As seen in FIGS. 24 and 26, in yet another embodiment of the medicaldevice used to overcome upper airway obstruction when a patient isplaced in a supine position comprises of two rectangular support frames1002, each frame having a ribbed side 1002 c running along the length ofeach frame 1002, and each frame 1002 having a first 1002 a and a secondend 1002 b, wherein a rectangular support aperture 1002 d is definedadjacent to the first end 1002 a and a second support aperture 1002 e isdefined adjacent to the second end 1002 b of the rectangular supportframe 1002, a rectangular connector 1010 having two ends, wherein aconnector aperture 1010 a is defined adjacent to each end of therectangular connector 1010, and wherein the connector's ends 1010 areinserted through each of the rectangular support frame's rectangularapertures 1002 d, Two rectangular support bases 1006, each rectangularsupport base 1006 having a first 1006 c and a second 1006 b end, whereinthe first end 1006 a of the rectangular support base 1006 defines arectangular aperture 1006 c and the second end of the rectangularsupport base 1006 defines a strut holding aperture 1006 d, wherein theconnectors 1010 ends are inserted through the rectangular support base'srectangular apertures 1006 c, Two pins 1014, each pin 1014 is insertedinto the connector's apertures 1010 a after the connector 1010 has beeninserted through the rectangular support frame's rectangular apertures1002 d and through the rectangular supports base's rectangular apertures1006 c, a U-shaped strut 1008 having two ends, wherein each of theU-shaped strut's ends is attached to each of the rectangular supportbase's strut holding aperture 1006 d, a tubular skirt 720 as seen inFIG. 28, wherein both rectangular support bases 1006 are insertedthrough the tubular skirt 720, and a hammock 750 as seen in FIG. 25,wherein the hammock comprises of a rectangular body 752 and each cornerof the body 752 a has a strap 754 that extends outward, and each strap754 has an attachment means 758 so that when the hammock 750 is placedunder the lower jaw of a patient, and each strap 754 has an attachmentmeans 758 so that when the hammock 750 is placed under the lower jaw ofa patient, two straps 754 will attach to each rectangular support frames1002. In a variation of the present invention, each strap 754 of thehammock 750 has a plurality of fenestrations 756, the device furthercomprises of four hooks 758, wherein each of the four hooks 758 isinserted through two of the fenestrations 756 of each strap 754 aftereach strap encircles each rectangular support frames 1002. The medicaldevice of the present invention might further comprise of a stabilizingbar 832 having two ends, each end of the stabilizing bar 832 is attachedto each of the support apertures 1002 e of the rectangular supportframes 1002.

An advantage of the present invention is that a patient's eyes are neverin danger of being damaged, for when the band is placed to encircle thechin of the patient and then attached to the second portion of thecradle, the band attaches to the second portion of the cradle at aposition that does not allow the band to rub against the eyes.

Another advantage of the present invention is that when using theembodiment that defines an aperture in the second portion of the cradle,a patient can be monitored from behind the patient, there is noobstruction to seeing the patient.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it is compact andrudimentary in its nature. The device can be made operational by simplyplacing the device on a flat surface, placing a patient's head on thedevice (the patient being in a supine position) and encircling anelastic band around the patient's chin and the second portion of thecradle.

An advantage of using the invention of FIGS. 9–11 c is that it allowmedical personnel to have a choice where to attach the T-band's ends tothe support frame of the medical device. This variation of the presentinvention also grants medical personnel the ease of securing ananesthetic hose or any other types of attachable devices to any side ofthe support frame. An advantage of using the chin pad is that itimproves the traction of the T-band when exerting force on the lowerjaw, thereby preventing the T-band from slipping from the lower jaw. Afurther advantage of the chin pad is that it protects the skin of thelower jaw from the trauma caused by the contact with the band.

An advantage of using the invention of FIGS. 12 a–d is that the harnessis secured to the head of the patient thereby reducing the displacementthat is generated when pulling on the skin of the lower jaw whenattaching the harness to the support frame. By crossing the adjustableends of the belt of the harness below the lower jaw, a force of upwardpressure is created within the belts so that a greater force of tractionis applied to the skin of the lower jaw at the x-junction of the bands,when an upward pulling force is applied to the ends of the harness beltswhen securing to belts to the support frame.

An advantage of using the invention of FIGS. 13 a–14 b is the simplicityof its use and the hammock's low cost of production. The configurationof the cables with relation to the support frame when the patient isplaced in traction prevents the hammock from slipping of the lower jawof the patient.

When using the two lateral plates, all of the above inventions have theadvantage of allowing medical personnel to stabilize the head of apatient, while providing upper airway management, when transporting apatient.

An advantage of using the detachable support base and the support framewith the current invention is that it allows for ease in portability,transport, and storage.

Yet a further advantage to the device is that it does not requireattachment to other structures to become operational, it is the idealdevice for practitioners working in the field, paramedics.

Another advantage of the invention is the simplicity in which it can betaken off a patient should an emergency situation arise, one wouldsimply detach the band by pulling off the hook and pile fasteners.

An advantage of using the embodiment of FIG. 18, is that it promotessterility, for the U-shaped sleeve can be disposable.

An advantage of using the invention of FIGS. 19–28 is that theembodiments are made so that they can be easily stored, for all of thedevice's elements can be broken down and housed in a minimal storageplace. In some of the embodiments, the pieces of the device will be madeto fit within each other when storing the device, for example, FIGS.19–23. This advantage is extremely important, for emergency or militaryunits that cannot afford to carry burdensome medical equipment toemergency or combat environments will be able to carry this device totheir respective environments. These embodiments also are inexpensive tomanufacture, therefore they can be discarded after each use. Discardingthe device after each use ensures that the device is sterile when used.

Finally, another advantage of this device is that it frees the hands ofthe operator, thereby allowing the attendant to treat other problemsthat the patient might be experiencing and to attend to other patients.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore the spirit and the scope of the claims should not belimited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

1. A medical device used to overcome upper airway obstruction when apatient is placed in a supine position comprising: two compressibletubular structures, each tubular structure having a first and a secondend, and wherein the first end of each compressible tubular structuredefines an aperture; two joints, each joint having a first, a second,and a third socket, and wherein each socket of the joint isperpendicular to each other, and wherein the second end of eachcompressible tubular structure is attached to the first socket of eachjoint; Two rods, each rod having a first and a second end, and whereinthe second end of each rod defines a rod aperture, and wherein the firstend of each rod is attached to the second socket of each joint; Aconnector, the connector has two ends, each end of the connector isattached to each third socket of each joint; A u-shaped strut having twoends, wherein each of the U-shaped strut's ends is attached to each ofthe rod's apertures; a tubular skirt, both rods being inserted throughthe tubular skirt; and a hammock, the hammock comprises of a rectangularbody and each corner of the body has a strap that extends outward, andeach strap has an attachment means so that when the hammock is placedunder the lower jaw of a patient, each straps will attach to eachcompressible tubular structure.
 2. The medical device of claim 1,wherein each strap of the hammock has a plurality of fenestrations, thedevice further comprises four hooks, wherein each of the four hooks areinserted through two of the fenestrations of each strap after each strapencircles each compressible tubular structure.
 3. The medical device ofclaim 2, further comprising a stabilizing bar having two ends, each endof the stabilizing bar is attached to each of the apertures of thecompressible tubular structures.
 4. A medical device used to overcomeupper airway obstruction when a patient is placed in a supine positioncomprising: two compressible tubular structures, each tubular structurehaving a first and a second end, and wherein the first end of eachcompressible tubular structure defines an aperture; two joints, eachjoint having a first, a second, and a third attachment means, andwherein each attachment means of the joint is perpendicular to eachother, and wherein the second end of each compressible tubular structureis attached to the first attachment means of each joint; two rods, eachrod having a first and a second end, and wherein the second end of eachrod defines a rod aperture, and wherein the first end of each rod isattached to the second attachment means of each joint; a connector, theconnector has two ends, each end of the connector is attached to eachthird attachment means of each joint; a u-shaped strut having two ends,wherein each of the U-shaped strut's ends is attached to each of therod's apertures; a tubular skirt, both rods being inserted through thetubular skirt; and a hammock, the hammock comprises of a rectangularbody and each comer of the body has a strap that extends outward, andeach strap has an attachment means so that when the hammock is placedunder the lower jaw of a patient, each strap will attach to eachcompressible tubular structure.
 5. The medical device of claim 4,wherein each strap of the hammock has a plurality of fenestrations, thedevice further comprises four hooks, wherein each of the four hooks areinserted through two of the fenestrations of each strap after each strapencircles each compressible tubular structure.
 6. The medical device ofclaim 5, further comprising a stabilizing bar having two ends, each endof the stabilizing bar is attached to each of the aperture of thecompressible tubular structure.
 7. The medical device of claim 6,wherein the joint is L-shaped.